Goans beware of communal disturbances
Goans have a history of living in harmony and co-existing peacefully regardless of religious backgrounds. We respect all religions.
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The core teachings of all religions teach us to promote harmony. However, there are certain individuals and groups that can misinterpret or selectively emphasize certain aspects of their beliefs to further their own agendas. Many a times these are politically motivated. This has unfortunately resulted in instances where some individuals or groups using religion as a basis to promote hatred, discrimination, or to divide the community. Signs of such elements infiltrating Goa are seen in recent times. Goans beware! There are political wolves in sheep’s clothing to disturb the peace in Goa.
Respect all religions, promote harmony and foster unity among Goan Community of different religious beliefs.
G R Castro, Navelim
Police administration and communal tension
Police should have freedom and autonomy to operate strictly as per law, away from the control by the netas and political machinations, law and order and controlling communal tension will fail! This is evident in the reported communal tension created over an idol recently kept in the Sancoale church property in the wee hours of the night and a video made viral asking people to come and seek the blessings of the installed Goddess! After angry people started gathering, a huge police force was sent, the idol removed and the Verna police logged a FIR against unknown people as usual! Locals say that this same group of people have tried to create communal tension similarly twice before and police have taken mild action. When there is government patronage, police cannot act strictly unbiased as per law and miscreants get encouraged. This modus operandi must be nipped sternly in the bud or unnecessary communal tension will be fueled! Goa requires its own Police Bill and vital police reforms in line with the long pending directions by the Supreme Court.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Media’s role is to strengthen Democracy
The O Heraldo August 21, 2023 editorial ‘Media ethics is fast eroding’ was enlightening, interesting on media ethics in the country today.
The Press is known to be the fourth pillar of Democracy and if it falls, it would be the saddest day for any Democracy. As I understand, the mission statement in journalism should be, to gather, evaluate, organize and disseminate information in a way that enables citizens to participate in a democratic society in a meaningful way. This mission is also to provide a balanced view of issues affecting the country, etc. And, of course, they have the self-regulatory mechanism in place.
Freedom of speech comes with responsibility and that applies to each and every citizen of the country. We need to restrain ourselves from going berserk. We need to save our Democracy!
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Moving beyond tolerance
The growing unrest among communities has sparked a conversation about the need for more tolerance to coexist peacefully. However, this makes us pause and question whether ‘tolerance’ is truly the ideal foundation for coexistence. Could there be something more thoughtful we can aspire to? Could we not just tolerate each other, but genuinely understand and respect one another’s beliefs and traditions?
The memories of my childhood take me back to the days when the excitement for Ganesh Chaturthi matched that of Christmas. We lived in an atmosphere where we weren’t simply tolerating each other’s customs, but fully sharing in each other’s happiness and sometimes in grief too. It’s saddening to witness a change in this heartening dynamic. Despite the enduring warmth we hold for each other, seeds of doubt have been planted, leading to unsettling changes in our interactions with each other.
Tthe idea of tolerance falls short of the harmonious coexistence we desire. Tolerance implies a passive acceptance of differences. However, true growth emerges when we move beyond mere tolerance to embrace something more profound—an attitude built on mutual respect and understanding.
Sonia Pereira, Majorda
Mining has become hot topic for political parties
Mining was an important livelihood in Goa till the industry came to a standstill. During an event at Ponda the Union Home Minister had announced that if the BJP wins in Goa, mining will start with double force through a transparent auction process. Already BJP is in power for the last 10 years. Mining was the largest employment generator in Goa. The lack of monitoring and oversight at the ground level by the state governments led to irregularities and poor implementation of mining laws. The mining ban in Goa has caused a loss to the state’s economy, and led to large-scale unemployment. The issue of mining is torn in multiple directions and the wait continues for the government to come up with a transparent and legal mining model.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Dog owners should be more careful
The recent incident of dog biting two children in Taleigao was very hurtful and dangerous for the children and could even lead to death. There are many stray dogs which are seen everywhere. We do not know when they can attack us, especially our children. Also owner of dogs should not bring their pets in public places causing menace and droppings. As dog lovers please take steps that such incidents do not occur. Also these dogs can emit diseased such as asthma and rabbies. All these dogs should be stopped from coming to in public places.
Ashwin Caeiro, Cansaulim
